Commissioners proclaim March as Developmental Disabilities Month

Carroll County commissioners proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Month during their March 2 meeting, recognizing the contributions and achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities in the community.

Carroll County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Matt Campbell attended the meeting with students and staff to request the annual proclamation. Campbell said the board has served the county for more than 50 years, helping citizens with developmental disabilities reach their full potential.

“Whereas we live in a world where we are expected to accomplish more, and whereas in this world, and more importantly, this community, we work side by side with individuals with developmental disabilities,” Campbell read from the proclamation. “Therefore be it resolved that the Carroll County Board of Commissioners proclaims March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Month.”

Students and staff attending the meeting included Grace Lawver, a ninth-grade student from Sandy Valley School District; Dixie Weaver, a preschooler from Carrollton School District; Brock Walton, an 11th-grade student at Minerva High School; Amy Jo Pennock, an adult employed at Pizza Hut for 35 years; Reva Castelucci, job coach; Tonya Hawk, administrative assistant and transportation supervisor; and Jodie McCauley, classroom aide.

Campbell said the proclamation reflects the board’s commitment to person-centered services and this year’s theme, “Empower, include and support.”

Commissioners unanimously approved the proclamation.

Campbell also shared upcoming events, including Special Olympics basketball games and the board’s Developmental Disabilities Month awards banquet scheduled for 6 p.m. March 25 at Our Lady of Mercy Hall. Tickets are available through the board office and will not be sold at the door.

In other business, commissioners:

—ACCEPTED a bid from North Star Asphalt Inc. of North Canton for $345,785 for the County Road 54 and Azalea Road pavement resurfacing project, PID No. 122476, as recommended by County Engineer Brian J. Wise. Commissioners noted four bids were received, with North Star submitting the lowest.

—APPROVED a permit for Spectrum Cable to bore and place new fiber in Brown Township along Lee Road, County Road 32.

—HEARD a reminder from the clerk’s office that Ohio’s annual spring burn ban runs from March 1 through May 31, prohibiting most open burning in unincorporated areas between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

—HEARD that March 2 is the final day for residents to file Current Agricultural Use Valuation appeals and initial applications.

—RECEIVED an update that mailboxes and dumpsters are scheduled for delivery at the annex building this week and that programming of key fobs for doors is ongoing.

—HEARD that the Emergency Management Agency has begun moving into the new annex building.

—RECEIVED an update on Tier 2 reporting, with officials noting more than 1,000 facilities filed reports before the Feb. 28 deadline. Six reports remain outstanding and will be contacted. Officials said failure to comply after a grace period could result in fines.

—PAID bills totaling $8,540.94.